UUCSC News and Updates
Weekly on Fridays
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Volume IV * Issue 16 * September 29, 2023 | |
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, RI
All are welcome!
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This Sunday, October 1, 2023 | |
Worship In Person and Online at 10:00 am |
"Found Families"
Rev. Denis Paul
21st century families can be models of harmonious diversity including a variety of races, genders, affectional orientations, and belief systems. Or, they can be hot beds of discord and mistrust, even when they seem to be blissfully homogenous and in close proximity. The people who we choose to share our Sundays and holidays with, even when they have no genetic or legal connection to us, can often be the the most intimate, most reliable relationships of our lives.
Order of Service
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Our theme this month is
Heritage
"Some people are your relatives, but others are your ancestors, and you choose the ones you want to have as ancestors. You create yourself out of those values."
~Ralph Ellison
The picture above is the giant nature mandala that our RE families made last Sunday. It was such a metaphor of finding balance, working together, and remembering to step back to see the bigger picture. Come check it out before service this Sunday down in RE!
This week, as we talk about chosen family and make connections through our Sidekick program, I look around my life and feel so blessed to call so many beautiful people my friends. So this month, as we explore the theme of "heritage," let's make it a point to deepen our connections with those we love, and reach out to a few who we don't yet know.
Here's a beautiful poem by the first Native American poet laureate about our connections to each other and the universe. And here it is as a video, a visual/audio poem.
Lee Cowan, DRE
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Share the Plate Sunday
Half of the plate and designated collections received by check or online
the first week of each month are shared with a worthy local non profit. August, September and October's 2023 recipient is Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, RI Chapter. Read more. Please wear red on Sunday in support of sensible gun legislation.
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I know. I sound like a broken record when I say this, but Lee and I hear it over and over again that at UUCSC “we need more opportunities for engagement.” It’s such a common sentiment that people use the exact same phrasing, over and over again.
When I arrived almost two years ago, I thought it was a response to 2-1/2 years of lockdowns, distancing and isolation, a pent up need to be near people in general. As time went on, I thought maybe it was an expression of belief in what will save us, shorthand for “young people will come if we have more social events and small groups.” Now I feel pretty confident about what it is that compels so many people to ask for more ways to engage.
We like each other.
It really is that simple. Nobody knows everybody else, and we all tend to really like the people we do know. So we want to know more people. That’s why we show up for things like picnics and hikes, beverages and banter, Friday night dinners. We want to hang out with the people we care about and expand our personal circles to include more.
The impulse to connect and grow is so strong that Lee and I are asked often to help people meet each other. So, we came up with a new program that we will be unveiling on Sunday. We’re calling it Sidekicks.
Our hope is that everyone will have their own sidekick, a companion to help you grow spiritually, so that you can be more YOU. We imagine sidekicks as mutual relationships. Nobody has to have any particular skill, just the willingness to be cheerleaders to each other, present in the ways that feel right for you.
Come on Sunday, and learn more about this. It may not change the world, but it might just positively affect your experience of UUCSC.
In Peace,
Rev Denis
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Sidekicks
Were you expecting Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble?
Sometimes, great pairs are the pairs you would never expect. That’s why we want to pair you up with someone you might not otherwise connect with.
“Sidekicks” is a way of encouraging all of us at UUCSC to develop new, unexpected friendships.
Let Lee or Rev Denis know you’re interested, fill out the simple form here or on paper in the Oneto room, and see who we pair you with. You don’t have to give them a kidney. You don’t have to promise to have thanksgiving together til 2062. Maybe just go for a walk or have ice cream together…. And see what comes of it.
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Stay in the Loop at UUCSC | |
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New To UUCSC?
On October 1 and October 15, after the service, we’re offering two “New to UUCSC” gatherings, which include lunch. Each will last about 90 minutes. If you are new to our congregation this is a chance to learn more about us and our UU tradition. If you’ve been around a while, and want to learn more, you’re welcome too!
It's especially important to attend if you are planning to become a member. Please contact Rev Denis, Val Follett or any Sunday Greeter.
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WOW "Women of Wisdom" Zoom Lunch
Monday, October 2 at noon
Join us on Zoom for some conversation and catch up with friends near and far. WOW meets on the first Monday of the month unless otherwise announced. Just click on the link above or on the church calendar. Questions? Call Elizabeth at 783-1362.
Please note: November Zoom Lunch will be held on November 13th.
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Do Drop In to...
UUCSC'S Community Sewing Space
Kick-off event Tuesday, October 3rd!
We all have some clothing items sitting in a pile just waiting for a button to be sewn on or a hem to be stitched, maybe some rip or tear needs a patch or we want to upcycle a cast off... Well bring it along on the first and third Tuesdays of EACH month between 4 and 8 pm in the Oneto Room where experienced sewers will be on hand to help you with your projects.
Sewing machines and some supplies will be provided. Items in need: An ironing board, working, portable sewing machines and sewing supplies.
Bring a family member or a friend!
For further information please contact: Rosemary Galiani 401.783.5472 or Nancy Dean 401.824.4609
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Faith Building Together
Monthly gatherings to strengthen and engage our UU Faith
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Oct. 19th at 10:30: Bringing UU Faith Home
A workshop for anyone looking to bring our faith into daily home life
Nov. 9th at 10:30: Neurodiversity
A presentation and discussion to deepen our understanding of the diverse spectrum of neurological experience
For more info and to register email Lee Cowan
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Quarterly UUCSC Community
Celebration Dinner
October 13th 2023
Let's celebrate a new year together of welcoming, loving, growing spiritually and seeking justice! Join us for a delicious Mexican style buffet and dessert.
Suggested donation is $8/person or $20/family. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Doors open at 5:30, Dinner served at 6:00
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Holiday Fair
It’s time to start planning our Holiday Fair. Dec 2nd is only 9 weeks away! Would you like to reserve a table for your creative items? Email Trish Hindley for the vendor application. We’ll need volunteers to help with things like setting up and taking it down, wreath making, white elephant table, preparing and serving soups for lunch. All ideas are welcome! Don’t forget to gather any items you’d like to donate for the white elephant table. No clothing or furniture, but clean, gently used treasures will be accepted. I’m hoping some of our talented musicians will be willing to perform. Music adds such a festive feeling to the day. Let’s have fun with it!
Submitted by Trish Hindley
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Clean Team News
The Clean Team is looking for a few more volunteers! The work is shared with others and may mean a once or twice a month commitment for an hour each. Contact Nancy Dean at (401) 824-4609 for more information. Persons interested in cleaning the RE space can speak with the RE Director Lee Cowan as well. Thank you!
Submitted by Nancy Dean
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Board of Directors meetings will now be held on the FIRST Wednesday of the month, beginning October 4. The zoom links are on the Calendar. Feel free to join us.
Submitted by Nancy Richman, President
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Last Paddling on Tucker Pond of 2023!
A periodic gathering of kayak enthusiasts gather informally to paddle together as we chat and explore local spots. This fall, we’re focusing on Tucker Pond, departing from the boat launch on Tuckertown Road near White Pond Road.
Tuesday, October 10 at 3PM weather permitting
Contact Rev Denis for more details.
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UUCSC Book Group Anyone?
BC (Before COVID) we had a Book Group at UUCSC. No attempt was made to continue it electronically. A couple of folks have voiced interest in seeing it restored. We read fiction and non-fiction, current books and classics. If you are interested, please call, email or text Linda Whyte Burrell. Let me know your choice of day of the week and time of day or evening. Contact info is in the Congregational Directory.
Submitted by Linda Whyte Burrell
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Kundalini Yoga: Autumn Series with Jessie Gloor
Thursdays 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Oneto Room, UUCSC
Mostly alternate weeks on Oct 12, 26; Nov 9, 30; Dec 14, 28.
We need 6 folks for this series to run: $72 for the series; $15 to drop in. Bring your own mats & cushions.
Contact Adria or Nancy Dean with questions.
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October Beverages and Banter
All meetings at Audrey's Coffee Shop in South County Commons
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Wednesday, October 4, at 4 pm | |
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Tuesday, October 10,
at 10 am
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Thursday, October 26,
at 3 pm
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Upcoming Services
October 8 The Responsibilites Rev. Denis
October 15 J'ai Faim Rev. Denis
October 22 Touched by Grace: from Political to Spiritual Activism
Judith Sutphen
October 29 The Great Decluttering Rev. Denis
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South County Social Justice Coalition
Pot-luck Meet and Mingle
Sunday, October 1, 2023 6 PM
Peace Dale Congregational Church
261 Columbia Street, Peace Dale
At this gathering we will continue to define the coalition and get to know one another to strengthen everyone's social justice efforts in South County, RI. All are welcome. Please RSVP. More information about meeting HERE.
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UUs are encouraged to register now for this forum, which has limited seating. If we don't fill it up with UUs, we will open it up to the larger community. For more info and the agenda, go HERE.
Registration Required at: uulmri.ticketleap.com/legislative-forum/
Submitted by Cathy Solomon
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The Lost Voices of Smith's Castle | |
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Tours of Smith's Castle (in North Kingstown) with a special focus on those enslaved at Smith's Castle and the history of slavery in Rhode Island will be offered on October 7th and 21st. Times and more information here.
Submitted by Cathy Solomon
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Thanksgiving Reading
As we are coming up to the season of Thanksgiving and all of the complicated questions it raises, please join me in reading this book (and please consider purchasing through the Tomaquag Museum if you can).
The Mourning Road to Thanksgiving is the 2015 WordCraft Circle of Honors Winner: Best Young Adult Novel of the Year. This unforgettable story continues to inspire, educate and challenge the notion of a holiday engrained in American history while exposing untold stories and lingering scars of our past.
Submitted by Bethany Sorrentino
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Annual
Cranberry Thanksgiving
A Tomaquag Museum event
to educate and celebrate
Indigenous culture and lifeways; includes Ceremony, Storytelling, Music, Games, Crafts, and an Indigenous Arts Market.
Support our Narragansett Friends
Saturday, October 7, 2023
12 - 4 PM
South Kingstown Land Trust
17 Matunuck Beach Road
South Kingstown, RI
Submitted by Etta Zasloff
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All are welcome!
This is an outdoor event, rain or shine. Come prepared.
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Dining for Dollars Plus 2023 Coming Events
Hosts should reach out to those who had winning bids for their event and provide necessary specifics (i.e. street address, parking info, phone, rain plans if needed, etc.).
Winning bidders, Mark your calendars – you don’t want to miss your event!
Everyone – if you have any questions or need D4$+ information, please contact Betsy Dalton at elizabethmdalton@gmail.com or by phone (her number is in the UUCSC Directory).
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| Host | Event | Date | | Susan Jordan | Bingo Bash | 10/14/2023 | | Barbara Beckwith
and Mary Fulton | Groovy Delight! | 10/21/2023 | | Patricia Hindley | Tarot reading and Tea | 10/27/2023 | | Etta Zasloff | Sweet and Savory Sunday Brunch | 11/5/2023 | | Sue Strakosch | Middle Eastern Dinner | 11/10/2023 | | Betsy Dalton | New Year's Eve Eve Celebration...in the afternoon! | 12/30/2023 | | |
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Judi Marcy and Suzanne Marcy are going through a hard time and would appreciate cards and good wishes. Their address in last week's newsletter was incorrect. Please use 45 Beech Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.
Submitted by Val Follett
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Don't become victim to a SCAM!
Review Understanding Phishing!
If you receive a suspicious email, drag it into your Spam folder, which will automatically block the scammer from using your email again as bait. Stay vigilant!
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In addition to your pledge, if you are 70 ½ years of age or older, you may donate up to $100,000.00 each year to UUCSC or other charities from your IRA account. Such a donation does not count as taxable income to you if made directly from your IRA account to the charity. Read more here.
Submitted by the Finance Committee
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Michael Bilecki will recycle your batteries.
Deposit them in the container in the Oneto Room!
Read more here.
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This war rages on...
The UUCSC Share the Plate committee recommends one of these four organizations that are providing support to Ukrainians in crisis.
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Bethany Sorrentino, Helping Hands Coordinator
uuhelpinghands@gmail.com or 401-451-4104.
Don't be afraid to ask for help - helping hands are here!
Helping hand volunteers are also needed.
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How to Submit Info to This Newsletter | |
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Send announcements and news with Newsletter Item in the subject line to Sara Kaplow, Congregational Administrator, at uucscri@gmail.com and Etta Zasloff, Editor, at zasloff.etta@gmail.com by Tuesday Noon
to assure publication by Friday of that week.
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